Air-handling ceiling channel structure

ABSTRACT

An air-handling channel structure for ceilings in which recessed channels are provided around lighting fixtures in the ceiling, and openings in the upper ends of the channels are connected to air delivery and return systems, each channel system being defined on one side by a ceiling support strut member, and on the other side by an inner frame member forming part of the lighting fixture, the strut and the frame members being formed separately, thereby enabling them to be provided with different finishes, and also enabling the ceiling and the strut members and the airhandling facilities to be erected and installed separately from the installation of the lighting fixtures. Locating means on the strut and frame members maintain those members in their desired spaced-apart positions.

[ 1 Jan. 18,1972

1541 AIR-HANDLING CEILING CHANNEL STRUCTURE Gerard Edmund Mulvey, 36Castle Frank Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada 221 Filed: Aug. 15,1969

211 Appl.No.: 850,454

[72] Inventor:

52 us. on. ..240/9 R, 98/40 DL,240/51.11'R

3,502,860 3/1970 Mulvey ..240/9 3,506,822 4/1970 Mulvey.. ..240/51.11X

Primary Examiner-Louis R. Prince Assistant Examiner-Denis E. CorrAttorney-George A. Rolston [57] ABSTRACT An air-handling channelstructure for ceilings in which recessed channels are providedaroundlighting fixtures in the ceiling, and openings in the upper endsof the channels are connected to air delivery and return systems, eachchannel system being defined on one side by a ceiling support strutmember, and on the other side by an inner frame member forming part ofthe lighting fixture, the strut and the frame members being formedseparately, thereby enabling them to be provided with differentfinishes, and also enabling the ceiling and the strut members and theair-handling facilities to be erected and installed separately from theinstallation of the lighting fixtures. Locating means on the strut andframe members maintain those members in their desired spaced-apartpositions.

7 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEflJmsmz 6,

SHEET 1 UF 2 GERARD E. MULVE Y PATENTEB Jun 8 m2 SHEET 2 OF 2 I N VEN'IUR GERARD E. MULVEY AIR-HANDLING CEILING CHANNEL STRUCTURE Thisinvention relates to air-diffusing ceiling structures for use inbuildings providing concealed diffusers associated with lighting fixtureframes.

Air diffusers and return fixtures in the form of longitudinal slottedopenings are well known in the air-handling art, and

. have been designed for arrangement in various parts of the ceiling,and in some cases, have been arranged and designed for attachmentalongside the lighting fixtures in the ceiling. However, generallyspeaking such slotted diffusers and retum facilities have involved theuse of long slotted openings in the ceiling which provide an unsightlyand inartistic arrangement, breaking up the aesthetic design of theceiling as a whole, and in addition, in some cases causing problems inthe layout and arrangement of the ceiling structure. A further proposalhas been the association of such slotted diffusers and return facilitiestogether with the lighting fixtures such as light troffers which arecustomarily supported in such ceiling. Again, however, even whenassociated with such light troffers, the. diffusers have resulted in thearrangement of unsightly longitudinal openings along each side of thetroffers.

Many of these disadvantages have been overcome by the use of lighttroffers having recessed frames designed and arranged specifically forassociation with air-handling facilities and provided with air-handlingslots within recesses around the frame, which slots are concealed fromview by being located and hidden within channel-shaped frame membersarranged around the perimeter of the lenses of the light troffers.However, in this improved design, the channel-shaped troffer frameswhich were provided with the air-handlingslots were formed in a singleintegral extrusion of aluminum or plastic or the like material havingmeans for attachment to the light troffer, and also having, in somecases, means for supporting the adjacent ceiling structure such as aceiling tile, or aplaster ceiling or the like. In this prior design, thechannel-shaped troffer frame, being of a single integral extrusion, wasnecessarily provided with auniform overall finish or coloring. In somecases, the architectural design ofthe ceiling has resulted in anunsightly clash between the coloring and design of the ceiling tile orplaster, and the coloring and'finish of'the-channel-shaped trofferframe. In addition, and more importantly, the erection and installationof a ceiling incorporatingsuch integral channel-shaped troffer frameshas required that the entire light troffers and lighting fixtures beinstalled and positioned prior to the installation and erection of theceiling structure itself, since the integral frame forrnedan importantpart of the overall ceiling. Such a-program of building construction isnot always possible, particularly bearingin mind that the erection ofthe ceiling is most usually performedbya workman belonging to adifferent trade from that of the workman installing the electricalfixtures.

For these reasons, and other reasons relating to the economics ofproduction and flexibility of design, it is now proposed according tothe present invention to provide a ceiling support frame structurewhich, together with a separate troffer frame, defines a recessedchannel around the light troffer, which channel incorporates within itslotted air-handling openings for difiusing of air and withdrawal ofreturn air, the two sides of the channel being separate from oneanother, thereby permitting the use of different coloring and finisheson the ceiling-supportingportion and the troffer frameportionrespectively, and also overcoming the problem of the installation of theceiling and supporting frame by one group. of tradesmen, and theinstallation of the lighting fixtures by another group of tradesmen.

It is therefore a general objective of the present invention to providea ceiling-supporting structure designed and adapted to be associatedwith light troffer lighting fixtures, and together therewith, providingand constituting a recessed channel around such lighting fixture, withinwhich continuous air-handling openings are provided, .adapted forinterconnection with air-handling conduits within the ceiling.

More particularly, it is an objective of the present invention toprovide a ceiling supporting structure having the foregoing advantageswhich is adapted for erection, independently of thelightingfixtures andassociated framework.

More particularly, it is an objective of the present invention toprovide a ceiling structure having the foregoing advantages whichprovides. ceiling support bars, and means for attachment of such bars tothe'fabric of the building for permanent support thereof, and alsoincorporating lighting fixture support flange members extending sidewaystherefrom for support of a lightingfixture frame adjacent thereto inspaced parallel relation thereby defining together with such lightingframe a recessed air-handling channel around such lighting fixture.

It will be understood that this is essentially a general outline only ofthe features and objectives of the invention, which invention will ofcourse be subject to variations and changes such as come within thescopeof the patent claims annexed hereto. i

The foregoing and other advantages will become apparent from thefollowing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention whichis given here by way of example only, with reference to the followingdrawings, in which like reference devices refer to like parts thereofthroughout the various views and diagrams and'in which;

FIG. 1 is a lower perspective illustration of the ceiling supportingstructure and a typical lighting fixture associated therewith inposition in aceiling, with the air handling ducting and facilities shownin phantom form;

FIG. 2 is a section along the line 2' '2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a section along the line 33 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional illustration of an alternative embodiment, theposition of the section corresponding to the section ofFlG. 2,

FIG. 5 is a sectional, illustration of a further alternative embodimentof the invention, the position of the section again corresponding tothat of H6. 2, and

FIG. 6 is a section of the embodiment of FIG. 5 at its endscorresponding to the position of the section of FIG. 3.

Referring'now to FIG. 1, it will beseen that this is a general view of aceiling in the course of construction, showing portions of afixedframework consisting of ceiling. struts or strut members S, whichframework is adapted to be permanently located as part of the ceilingstructure, and which may or may not incorporate means for supporting theadjacent ceiling covering material such as plaster, accoustic tile orthe like, shown generally as reference C and which is supported inposition at predetermined ceiling levels from the fabric of the buildingby conventional means such as wires or rods R. The struts S define arectangular space in which is located the lighting fixture indicatedgenerally as L, which is of course concealed within the ceiling, theonly visible portion being the inner framework F andthe illuminatedplastic panels P.

It will be seenthat the inner framework F of the lighting fixture isseparated and spaced a predetermined distance from the ceiling struts Sthereby defining between them a recessed channel which is devoid of anyillumination, and being located around the perimeter of the brightlyilluminated panels P, appears totally black when viewed from beneath. Atcertain points aroundthe framework F and struts S, longitudinalairhandling openings are arranged, suitable for attachment of airductingD and the outlet and return air boots B. The details of the air ducting.and air boots form no part of this invention, and those elements are inany case of conventional construction. In fact, in some cases in moreadvanced ceiling design, it is now becoming thepractice to dispensealtogether with connections to individual air return facilities, bymeans of boots and the like, the interior of the ceiling being simplydivided by partitions into air-return zones, the, air-handling openingsin the-ceiling merely opening directly into such partition zones. Thusthe practice. of the present invention which is directed specifically tothe provision of such longitudinal air-handling channel openings in aconcealed manneraround lighting fixtures and the like is equallyapplicable, whether. air connection 'boots are or are not to be used.

The lighting fixture L has slide and end walls as will readily beapparent by reference to FIG. 1 but will not be described in detail,herein since that fixture is essentially of conventional constructionconsisting merely of a housing or troffer and fluorescent tubes arrangedin various locations so as to provide either a rectangular or square oreven hexagonal or octagonal fixture depending upon the aesthetic designof the ceiling, these other construction details being omitted for thesake of clarity.

Referring now to FIGS. -2 and 3, illustrating sections around thestructure shown in FIG. 1, it will be seen that the ceiling strutsindicated generally as S are of continuous extruded construction, inthis preferred embodiment, and each comprises a vertical sidewall-member10, provided at its upper end with any suitable means of attachment forthe wire or rail hangers R.' In this case, the attachment means consistsof a continuous restricted groove ll in the sidewall member 10, whichgroove is adapted to make slidable gripping engagement with acylindrical support member 12 attached at the lower end of each rod R,in known manner. .lust below such upper end edge of each of the sidewallmembers'l0, there is provided a transverse flange member l3 of apredetermined width, which, as will be explained in greater detailhereinafter, provides a means for locating the framework of the lightingfixture. In this particular embodiment, one or more longitudinalopenings 14 are formed in each flange member 13 for the free passage ofair and each flange member 13 terminates in an outer support ledgeportion 15 for a reason to be described hereinafter. Adjacent the lowerend of the sidewall member 10, there is provided an air director bafflemember 16 of predetermined width for causing deflection of air passingaround the same whereby to define a predetermined airflow pattern withinthe building.

As stated, the ceiling struts are designed to be permanently mounted andlocated in the ceiling in the building. For this purpose, in some cases,some form of support means can be provided on the struts for adjacentportions of the ceiling, although no such means are provided in theembodiment shown in FIG. 2. In this case, an adjacent portion ofacoustic ceiling C is shown as merely abutting directly onto the outerface of the sidewall intermediate its upper and lower ends, and in manycases, it is found that this is entirely sufficient for the purpose.

As stated above, the frame members forming the framework F are formedentirely separately from the ceiling strut members S, and each comprisesa sidewall portion 17, which may optionally incorporate air bafflemeans, such as a rib 18 shown in phantom, although the use of such airbaffle members is entirely dependent upon the desired airflow pattern.At the upper edge of each of the sidewall members 17, a horizontalshoulder member 19 is provided to constitute a locating means as well asto define an upper ledge 20 adapted to support a plastic panel P of thelighting fixture L. The underside of shoulder 19 is adapted sealingly tooverlie the ledge portion of the flange 13 as shown, for supportthereof. In order to attach the housing or so-called troffer of thelighting fixture L, an attachment flange 21 extends upwardly from theshoulder I9, in a plane, offset from the plane of the sidewall I7, andlighting fixture L is shown as being attached by a screw 22 to eachattachment flange. In this way, the entire area of panel P may beilluminated without peripheral or marginal darkened zones.

Referring now to FIG. 3, this illustrates the ceiling strut S and theframe member F along one end of the fixture L. The ceiling strut S willbe seen to have the same sidewall member I0, air deflector baffle 16,and transverse locating flange 13. In addition, it is supported by thesame groove 11 and cylindrical support member 12. However, it will benoted that no airhandling slots are provided in the flange member I3,since such slots are not normally provided along the ends of such afixture and, in any case, ample air-handling openings can be provided byarranging them on each side of'the fixture. The end frame member F hasessentially the same construction as that already. described and has asidewall I7, a locating shoulder 19, and an attachment flange 21. Theprovision of the deflector bafile 16 at the end of the fixture L isregarded as necessary for providing a continuity of appearance aroundthe entire extent of the lighting fixture, but otherwise performs nouseful function.

The ceiling tile or other ceiling structure (not shown) merely abuts theouter surface of sidewall 10 as before. In this manner, a lightingfixture is provided in which the lens or plastic panel P is recessedrelative to the ceiling in a manner which greatly improves itsappearance. In addition, since the struts S and frame members'F whichdefine the continuous channel around each fixture, are separate andunattached, they can have different surface finishes without difficultywhich further improves the overall appearance.

- It will be understood that the design of the ceiling struts S andtheir interconnection in the ceiling and manner in which they supportthe acoustic tile or other ceiling material may vary widely and areindependent of the scope of this invention.

. Thus in some cases the ceiling may be designed as a so-called luminousceiling in which there is virtually no accoustic tile material at all,the entire ceiling being filled with lighting fixtures. In this case abasic supporting framework of parallel ceiling T-section bars (notshown) of known design may be hung in known manner spaced apartdistances equal to the overall length of the lighting frameworks .L andtheir associated frames F and struts S. The struts S may be modified toincorporate an additional outer flange (not shown). to in terengage withthe ceiling tees in any suitable manner to provide a finishedappearance.

According to a further embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 4,provision may be made for a ceiling of plaster construction and in whichthe lighting units L are inserted from below and fastened in the ceilingbefore or after it is plastered. According to this embodiment, each ofthe ceiling struts S is provided with a lower sidewall 30, anintermediate horizontal shoulder portion 31 and an upper sidewall 32located in a vertical plane offset with respect to the plane of thelower sidewall 30. A transverse flange member 33 extends horizontallyfrom the upper sidewall 32, and is provided with elongated air-handlingslots 34 therethrough. Flange 33 terminates in a generally cross-shapedstructure having upper and lower strengthening ribs 35, and a horizontalbearing flange 36 and functions as a locating means to maintain theframework member F spaced apart inwardly from the respective struts S.The upper end of upper sidewall 32 is provided with an upstandingattachment rib 37 provided with a plurality of holes therethrough (notshown) for attachment of the conventional support members such as rodsor wires R. In order to provide some support for the plaster of theceiling, the lower sidewall 30 of ceiling strut S is provided with anoutwardly directed upwardly angled flange member 38.

In this embodiment, the inner frame member F consists of the sidewallmember 39 having a lower ledge portion 40 for supporting the plasticpanels P thereon, and such a frame member F is provided with anysuitable attachment means (not shown) along its upper edge 41 forattachment of support means such as the rods'or wires R. The lightingtroffer or housing L is attached to each of the frame members F by anysuitable means such as screws 42. In order to accurately locate eachinner frame member F with regard to a respective one of the ceilingstrut members S, the sidewall 39 of that frame member is provided withan inwardly directed locating rib 43 positioned at a predeterminedheight on the inner side of the base wall 39 so as to contact and engagethe lower surface of the flange portion 36 of the horizontal flange 33.In this way the lower edges of sidewalls 30 and 39 are usefully locatedin the same horizontal plane. The locating rib 43 also usefullysealingly engaging the portion 36 of the flange 33. Depending upon theairflow characteristics of the particular system, an airflow deflectorbaffle member such as baffle member 44 may be provided, the location andsize of such a baffle member depending upon the desired airflowcharacteristics of the system. The air delivery or return boots B aremounted in position along the upper surface of the horizontal flange 33over the slotted openings 34 in a known manner. It will be understoodthatFlG. 4 consists essentially of an illustrationof the portions ofsuch ceiling struts S and frame members F as are provided withair-handling facilities, and would in the majority of cases, correspondto the same location as the section shown in FIG. 2, that is to say,along opposite sides of the lighting fixture L. The sections of the endceiling strut members and of the corresponding frame members would ofcourse be essentially the same as shown in FIG. 4 without the airhandling slots 34.

A still further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 5 in whichthe use of the horizontal flange 13 or 33 is dispensed with along twosides of the fixture. Again the position of the section of FIG. 5corresponds essentially to the position of the section of FIG. 2 that isto say, along one of the two opposite sides of the lighting fixture L.In this embodiment, the ceiling strut S consists of the sidewall member50 having a tile-supporting flange 51 and provided along its upper edge52 with holes, (not shown) or other suitable supporting means forattachment of the supporting rods or wires R. An inwardly directedsealing flange 53 is provided near the upper end of the sidewall 54 tolocate the boot B in position, and to make a seal therewith.

The inner frame member F shownin FIG. 5 is of similar construction tothe ceiling strut S, and is provided with a sidewall 54 having a lowerair deflector baffle member 55. The lighting fixture L is attached toupper edge 56 of frame member F by means of screws 57 and a sealingflange 58 is provided for sealing with the inner side of the boot B, asupporting flange 59 being provided for supporting a plastic panel P ofthe lighting fixture L. In this embodiment, there is no directconnection between the ceiling strut S and the frame member F alongeither of the two sides of the lighting fixture L. Thus the sealingflanges 53 and 58, between them define a continuous air-handling openingindicated as 60 thereby providing for maximum free flow of airtherethrough. It will be understood, however, that the ceiling struts Sand frame members F at the two ends of the lighting fixture L mustnecessarily incorporate a flange member extending between them in orderto provide support for the frame member F and accurately to locate thelighting fixture between the ceiling struts S. Thus, as shown in FIG. 6,the ceiling strut S at each end of the lighting fixture L is essentiallythe same as the strut S along each side of the lighting fixture L, andis referenced as 50A. Such an end strut 50A is provided with a supportflange 61 adapted to underlie the sealing flange 58 on the frame memberF the end of the lighting fixture. It will be understood that, in thisway, the entire lighting fixture L is completely supported at each endand is positively located with respect to the struts S.

It will thus be seen, that by the use of either of the embodiments ofFIGS. 4 and 5, the airflow-handling channel around the lighting fixtureis again provided by two entirely separate members, namely the struts Sand the frame members F, the struts S being fixed permanently in theceiling, and forming part thereof, and the frame members F beingattached directly to the lighting fixture L.

The design of the boots and air duct is conventional and is omitted forthe sake of clarity. In cases where return air ducts are not used, forexample, it might, however, be necessary to incorporate light baffles toensure that no light can pass downwardly into the openings 14, 34 or 60,since these are intended to be totally black and devoid of illuminationat all times.

The foregoing is a description of a preferred embodiment of theinvention which is given here by way of example only.

What] claim is:

1. An air-handling ceiling channel system for use in association with aceiling having a lighting fixture of the type including a housing havingside and end walls, mounted in an opening-of corresponding shape in saidceiling, said channel system including a channel defined by pairs ofspaced-apart and complementary separable wall members constitutingrespective inner and outer sidewalls of said channel, one of said wallmembers in each said pair being an integral part of the ceiling andattached around said opening and the other being attached to an adjacentportion of said lighting fixture and being removable therewith, and saidair channel system being adapted to be connected at predeterminedlocations to airhandling ducting as outlet or return openings therefor,and said system comprising:

a plurality of ceiling strut members of predetermined height adapted tobe built into said ceiling as an integral part thereof around saidlighting fixture opening with theinner faces of said strutmembersexposed and forming the outer wall surface of said channel, theouter faces of said strut members being juxtaposed with adjacentportions of said ceiling;

attachment means on said strut members for fastening them in position insaid ceiling as an integral part thereof;

a plurality of lighting fixture frame members of predetermined heightforming a continuous frame around said side and end walls of saidlighting fixture housing, said frame members being fastened in positionon said housing side and end walls as an integral part of said lightingfixture, and being movable therewith relative to said ceiling strutmembers;

outer and inner side surfaces on said frame members, said outer sidesurfaces being complementary with said exposed inner faces of saidceiling strut members around a said opening to form the opposite wallsurfaces of a said channel when said lighting fixture is in position ina said opening; and

cooperating locating means on at least some of said strut members and onat least some of said frame members and extending therebetween to locatesaid strut members and said frame members in predetermined spacedcomplementary relation to form a continuous channel all around saidlighting fixture, with air-handling openings at predetermined spacedlocations, said frame members being removable from said locationadjacent said strut members upon removal of said lighting fixture fromsaid opening, without disturbing said locating means on said strutmembers.

2. The air-handling ceiling channel system as claimed in claim 1,wherein said lighting fixture incorporates a lens, and in whichlens-supporting flange members are provided on said inner sidesurfacesof said lighting fixture frame members.

3. The air-handling ceiling channel system as claimed in claim 1,including ceiling support flange means formed on said ceiling strutmembers, and extending from the outer faces thereof for interengagementwith adjacent portions of the ceiling.

4. The air-handling ceiling channel system as claimed in claim 1, inwhich said cooperating locating means comprise sealing flange meansextending along said outer side surfaces of said lighting fixture framemembers, in a predetermined plane, and sealing surface meansdefined bysaid locating means on said strut members, and engageable by said flangemeans when said strut members and said frame members are located inpredetermined spaced relation.

5. The air-handling ceiling channel system as claimed in claim I,wherein said locating means on said strut members extend substantiallyacross the full width of said channel into engagement with said locatingmeans on said frame members, and include longitudinal slotted airpassageways fonned therethrough for registration with said air handlingducting, when the same is located in position thereagainst.

6. The air-handling ceiling channel system as claimed in claim 1, foruse with a lighting fixture having side and end walls and in a ceilingincluding a lighting fixture opening of a corresponding shape, in whichsaid'ceiling strut members and said lighting fixture frame memberstogether define and form a continuous recessed channel all around saidlighting fixture, and wherein said air-handling openings are locatedonly between the ceiling strut members and lighting fixture framemembers along the sides of said lighting fixture opening and saidlighting fixture.

7. The air-handling ceiling channel system as claimed in claim 6,wherein said ceiling strut members include ceiling strut members andceiling strut end members for use along

1. An air-handling ceiling channel system for use in association with aceiling having a lighting fixture of the type including a housing havingside and end walls, mounted in an opening of corresponding shape in saidceiling, said channel system including a channel defined by pairs ofspaced-apart and complementary separable wall members constitutingrespective inner and outer sidewalls of said channel, one of said wallmembers in each said pair being an integral part of the ceiling andattached around said opening and the other being attached to an adjacentportion of said lighting fixture and being removable therewith, and saidair channel system being adapted to be connected at predeterminedlocations to air-handling ducting as outlet or return openings therefor,and said system comprising: a plurality of ceiling strut members ofpredetermined height adapted to be built into said ceiling as anintegral part thereof around said lighting fixture opening with theinner faces of said strut members exposed and forming the outer wallsurface of said channel, the outer faces of said strut members beingjuxtaposed with adjacent portiOns of said ceiling; attachment means onsaid strut members for fastening them in position in said ceiling as anintegral part thereof; a plurality of lighting fixture frame members ofpredetermined height forming a continuous frame around said side and endwalls of said lighting fixture housing, said frame members beingfastened in position on said housing side and end walls as an integralpart of said lighting fixture, and being movable therewith relative tosaid ceiling strut members; outer and inner side surfaces on said framemembers, said outer side surfaces being complementary with said exposedinner faces of said ceiling strut members around a said opening to formthe opposite wall surfaces of a said channel when said lighting fixtureis in position in a said opening; and cooperating locating means on atleast some of said strut members and on at least some of said framemembers and extending therebetween to locate said strut members and saidframe members in predetermined spaced complementary relation to form acontinuous channel all around said lighting fixture, with air-handlingopenings at predetermined spaced locations, said frame members beingremovable from said location adjacent said strut members upon removal ofsaid lighting fixture from said opening, without disturbing saidlocating means on said strut members.
 2. The air-handling ceilingchannel system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lighting fixtureincorporates a lens, and in which lens-supporting flange members areprovided on said inner side surfaces of said lighting fixture framemembers.
 3. The air-handling ceiling channel system as claimed in claim1, including ceiling support flange means formed on said ceiling strutmembers, and extending from the outer faces thereof for interengagementwith adjacent portions of the ceiling.
 4. The air-handling ceilingchannel system as claimed in claim 1, in which said cooperating locatingmeans comprise sealing flange means extending along said outer sidesurfaces of said lighting fixture frame members, in a predeterminedplane, and sealing surface means defined by said locating means on saidstrut members, and engageable by said flange means when said strutmembers and said frame members are located in predetermined spacedrelation.
 5. The air-handling ceiling channel system as claimed in claim1, wherein said locating means on said strut members extendsubstantially across the full width of said channel into engagement withsaid locating means on said frame members, and include longitudinalslotted air passageways formed therethrough for registration with saidair handling ducting, when the same is located in position thereagainst.6. The air-handling ceiling channel system as claimed in claim 1, foruse with a lighting fixture having side and end walls and in a ceilingincluding a lighting fixture opening of a corresponding shape, in whichsaid ceiling strut members and said lighting fixture frame memberstogether define and form a continuous recessed channel all around saidlighting fixture, and wherein said air-handling openings are locatedonly between the ceiling strut members and lighting fixture framemembers along the sides of said lighting fixture opening and saidlighting fixture.
 7. The air-handling ceiling channel system as claimedin claim 6, wherein said ceiling strut members include ceiling strutmembers and ceiling strut end members for use along said sides and endsof said lighting fixture opening respectively, and wherein said locatingmeans are provided only on said ceiling strut end members and on opposedlighting fixture frame members, said ceiling strut side members beingfree of any contact with their opposed lighting fixture frame members,whereby to define a continuous lengthwise air-handling openingtherebetween, along the full length of each side of said lightingfixture.